ROADS/BRIDGES: Major routes in southeast Mich. remain closed due to flooding

Michigan DOT crews are still trying to clear major interstates leading in and out of Detroit due to flooding, leaving motorists without a clear shot to their destination.

Traffic has been forced to use alternate routes to get around sections of I-696, I-75, I-94 and S.R. 39, which remain underwater. The biggest problem area appears to be on I-75 south of Dallas Avenue in Oakland County, where crews have been tackling an island of mud from a washed-out embankment beneath Stephenson Highway since 2 p.m. on Aug. 12. According to MDOT spokesman Craig Bryson, debris is being scooped up and placed into haul trucks. MDOT has set up a temporary station to pump water off the flooded section, but it could take another two days.

Twelve vehicles were pulled from floodwaters at the I-75 underpass below I-696, which also was surrounded in mud. Wayne County declared a state of emergency for it’s 43 communities on Aug. 12, but Gov. Rick Snyder had yet to follow suit at press time.